My Car Check Trade is the trade valuations arm of CDL Vehicle Information Services. Based on cutting-edge industry data and feedback from independent and franchised dealers, these monthly bulletins highlight the most significant trends in the UK light commercial vehicle (LCV) market.

Head of Valuation Services at My Car Check Trade, Gavin Amos, commented: “We have reduced used LCV values pretty much across the board by around 2% this month. Small panel vans with side loading doors are still popular. Demand for Transporter remains strong despite the adverse brand publicity. Most dealers are reporting that their stock levels are about right, so they’re only prepared to push the boat out for a clean top model in exactly the right colour.

“With the clocks changing and dark winter nights drawing in, it is worth noting a new initiative which can only be good for the industry: The FTA Van Excellence Certificate of Driver Competence. Designed to increase LCV driving expertise, companies should consider the cost benefits of a reduced number of accidents as roads become icy and more treacherous. The qualification might even help to improve the image of the much-maligned white van man.

“The arrival of colder weather means renewed focus on the 4x4 marketplace. The pickup sector is particularly buoyant, with a stack of current model updates and a raft of new model launches over the next 6-12 months, including some from manufacturers who have not had a slice of this market to date. The all-new Nissan Navarra NP300 looks set to challenge the dominant Mitsubishi L200. Once these new models filter through, stalwart used performers like Ford Ranger will suddenly face much greater competition.

“There has been a noticeable drop in retail demand as we move into the back end of the year. Although we are still seeing fairly high numbers at auction, it is clear that used buyers are being ever more selective in terms of condition, which can lead to the same vehicles moving around auction houses looking for a home.”

My Car Check Trade provides buyers and sellers with all the vehicle price data they need: ready to retail, trade, average, retail and Cat D. As a free bonus, it also provides the annual road tax cost and key DVLA information, including the make, model, colour, engine size, body style, fuel type and date of registration.

Simply enter a car, van or motorcycle registration and the vehicle’s mileage to get an accurate valuation and additional information in an instant. Once signed up you can check as many vehicles as you like at no extra cost.